The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a cultural-, age- and gender-focused Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention intervention in reducing risk behaviors among African-American young women relative to general health intervention.

Participants in this group will participate in three individual sessions and one group session of the nutrition intervention about healthy eating, physical activity and general wellness.

Behavioral: Staying Healthy and Eating Well

Participants in this group will participate in three individual sessions and one group session of the nutrition intervention about healthy eating, physical activity and general wellness.

Experimental: Young Women's

Participants in this group will participate in three individual sessions and one group session of the young woman-focused intervention about HIV/STIs, pregnancy, alcohol and other drug use, violence, gangs and other issues. This intervention is an adaptation of the evidence-based Women's CoOp (Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. Wendee M. Wechsberg).

Behavioral: Young Women's CoOp

Participants in this group will participate in three individual sessions and one group session of the young woman-focused intervention about HIV/STIs, pregnancy, alcohol and other drug use, violence, gangs and other issues. This intervention is an adaptation of the evidence-based Women's CoOp (PI: Dr. Wendee M. Wechsberg).

Detailed Description:

This study completed an extensive formative phase to adapt the Women's CoOp intervention to specifically address the needs of young out-of-school adolescent African-American females with regard to knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and sexuality, health consequences of substance abuse, relationships with males, condom communication and social support, and HIV risk-reduction and violence prevention methods. During this phase, in-depth interviews, focus groups, pretesting and pilot testing were conducted to adapt and refine the intervention for the clinical trial.

At study enrollment/baseline, participants completed a questionnaire and baseline drug and pregnancy testing, and were randomized into one of two programs: Young Women's CoOp or Staying Healthy and Eating Well (Nutrition)—both which included 3 individual intervention sessions and 1 group activity. Follow-ups were conducted 3-months post-intervention and 6-months post-intervention and included a questionnaire and drug testing.

The study has since been completed and analysis and manuscript preparation is underway. Two abstracts have been accepted to American Public Health Association conferences in 2012 and 2013. The five papers in progress or published include:

Efficacy of the Young Women's Coop - analysis complete, manuscript being drafted

Summary of qualitative findings from interviews and focus groups - published September 2013

Have dropped out of school at least once or are having problems that they have considered dropping out of school, and have not yet completed high school or GED program

Have not graduated from a high school or alternative school, or completed a General Education Development (GED) program

Have had vaginal sex at least once in the past 90 days with a male partner

Have used one of the following at least once in the past 90 days—-alcohol, marijuana, cocaine/crack, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, any prescription drugs not prescribed to them, or any other illicit substance.

Will be in the area for the next 8 months

Has not participated in previous formative activities of the study (e.g., interviews, focus groups, pretesting and pilot testing),

Exclusion Criteria:

Not interested in coming to a health behavior study

Not able to attend 4 sessions and 2 follow ups

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01224184